Here at Football Behavior, our sports betting model gives us a unique opportunity to increase our chances of being profitable because of the range of outcomes it provides us. This makes teaser bets an attractive addition to our portfolio. Below you will find out what they are, examples, and how we strategically use them to make money.
What’s a Teaser Bet, and What How Do They Work?
A teaser bet is a type of sports wager in which the bettor can use alternate spread bets or alternate total bets of a game in their favor, but at the cost of lower odds. The bettor combines multiple bets and can adjust the point spread or total in their favor by a certain number of points. Teaser bets provide a cushion against the point spread, increasing the chances of winning, but offer lower payouts due to reduced risk.
Teaser Bets Explained
Teaser Bets can be really effective in reducing risk and securing a win. Here are a couple of examples.
Examples of NFL Teaser Bets
In the NFL, teasing often refers to creating an alternate point spread or total. These can even be combined into a parlays across multiple games.
Teaser Bet Example 1: Teasing the point spread
In NFL, a bettor might tease the point spread by 6 points, turning a 10-point favorite into a 4-point favorite. If the original spread is -10, after teasing, it becomes -4.5. This increases the chances of winning, especially for favorites, by giving them a smaller margin to cover.
Teaser Bet Example 2: Teasing The Total
Another way is teasing the total points scored in a game. If the original over/under is 45 points, teasing it by 7 points lowers it to 38. This strategy can be used when bettors expect a lower-scoring game, providing a cushion if fewer points are scored.
Teaser Bet Example 3: Teasing Multiple Bets
Bettors can combine teaser bets on multiple games. For instance, a bettor might tease two NFL teams, each by 6 points, in the same bet. If both teams’ original spreads were -7, after teasing, they become -1.5. This approach allows bettors to increase their chances across different games while accepting lower odds.
How Do You Make Money With Teasers?
Now that we know what teasers are and how what types of bets we can place using them, here is an example of how to make money with them
Are Teaser Bets Profitable?
Short answer: they can be.
Let’s say you place a teaser bet on two NFL games:
Game 1:
Original Spread: Team A -7 vs. Team B +7
Teased Spread: Team A -1 (teased by 6 points)
- Wager: $100
Game 2:
Original Total Points: 45
Teased Total Points: 38 (teased by 7 points)
- Wager: $100
In the first game, Team A was originally favored by 7 points. Teasing it by 6 points reduces the spread, making it easier to cover. You bet $100 on Team A.
In the second game, the original over/under was 45 points. Teasing it by 7 points decreases the total, making it more likely for the game to stay under. You bet another $100 on the under.
Outcome:
Game 1 Outcome:
- If Team A wins by 2 points (covering the teased spread), you win $100.
Game 2 Outcome:
- If the total points scored in the game are 35 (staying under the teased total), you win $100.
In this scenario, both bets hit, and you receive $200 in total winnings. After deducting your initial investment ($200 wager), your net profit is $100. Teaser bets allowed you to adjust the odds in your favor, leading to a profitable outcome.
What Sports Can You Make The Most Money With Teasers?
The profitability of teaser bets depends on various factors, including the sportsbook’s rules, the specific sport, and the bettor’s knowledge and strategy. While teaser bets are available for many sports, they are most commonly used in football, both in the NFL and college football.
This popularity is due to the frequency of key numbers in football scoring, such as 3 and 7 points, making it easier to manipulate point spreads effectively. Free Football Behavior Newsletter subscribers see us do this every week of the NFL season.
Therefore, NFL and college football are often considered sports where bettors can potentially make the most money with teaser bets. However, it’s crucial to research and analyze each sport individually, considering the specific rules and scoring patterns, to determine the best opportunities for profitable teaser betting.
Other sports that make sense to use teasers with are:
- Basketball, both NBA and college basketball. Those games often have high scores, so teasing the totals can work wonders
- Then there’s hockey, where goal differentials are usually low, making it a good choice.
- Lastly, you’ve got baseball, especially when you’re dealing with run lines. Just need to analyze the games, understand the numbers, and you’re all set for some teaser bet action.
How Do Teaser Bets Work On DraftKings and FanDuel?
On DraftKings Sportsbook or any other platform like FanDuel, when placing a teaser bet, you can select two or more bets on different games. Teasers allow you to adjust the point spread or totals (over/under) in your favor, but at the cost of reduced odds.
Remember, the more points you tease, the lower the potential payout because you’re increasing your chances of winning. The exact rules and available options for teaser bets can vary, so it’s essential to check DraftKings Sportsbook’s specific guidelines or contact their customer support for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Teaser Bets With DraftKings Sportsbook
When using the DraftKings Sportsbook App, this is what making a Teaser bet would look like:
Teaser Bets With DraftKings Sportsbook
Teaser Bets FAQ
- What is a teaser bet?
- A teaser bet is a type of sports wager where the bettor can adjust the point spread or over/under total for a game in their favor, but at the cost of reducing the potential payout. The bettor combines two or more selections and can adjust the line by a set number of points, making it easier to win the bet but with lower odds and reduced winnings.
- Can I make money with them?
- To make money with teaser bets, you strategically adjust point spreads or totals in your favor, increasing the chances of winning. Careful selection of teams with favorable adjustments and understanding the sports dynamics is essential. While teaser bets offer lower payouts, consistent smart choices can lead to profitable outcomes over time.
- Are they different from parlays?
- Teaser bets and parlays are similar in that they both involve combining multiple bets into one. However, they differ in how the odds are adjusted. Teaser bets allow you to adjust point spreads or totals, increasing your chances of winning but offering lower payouts. Parlays combine bets without any adjustments, offering higher payouts for higher risk.
- What sports use them?
- Teaser bets are commonly used in various sports, including football, basketball, and sometimes in hockey and soccer. Different sportsbooks may offer teaser bets on different sports and events.
- Are they worth it?
- The worth of teaser bets depends on individual preferences and strategies. They offer increased winning probabilities by adjusting odds, but lower potential payouts. Bettors seeking reduced risk may find value, but it’s essential to understand the trade-off between higher chances of winning and lower profits.
